Anal hygienic pad and method of use

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for absorbing anal leakage, such as fecal material, blood or flatulence. The method includes positioning an intergluteal absorbent pad external to the anal orifice of a subject such that the pad is retained between the buttocks, and any discharge from the anus is absorbed by the absorbent material of the pad. The pad has a smaller minor portion superimposed on a larger major portion, and the smaller minor portion is inserted as a leading edge between the gluteals of the subject to facilitate insertion by gradually moving the gluteals apart. The smaller minor portion of the pad is positioned against the anal orifice to minimize pressure exerted in this sensitive area, while the larger major portion is retained in the less sensitive intergluteal space. The major portion conforms to the soft tissue of the gluteals, and is large enough to help retain the pad frictionally in place without any adhesive or garment to hold it in place. The pad can have a variety of shapes, including major and minor portions that are portions of spheres or ellipsoids, or which are elongated and have cross-sections that are circular or ellipsoid. Insertion and retention of the pad adjacent to the anus helps alleviate symptoms of the hemorrhoids, absorbs leakage (such as fecal material or medication), and can also be used as a reservoir to administer medication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of anal incontinence, morespecifically to a device for absorbing anal leakage or other discharges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hemorrhoids are varicosities of anal veins which are common followingpregnancy, as one ages, or as a result of a more sedentary lifestyle.Those suffering from hemorrhoids are often not able to use commonsuppositories or cremes for the relief of itching or pain during theday, because suppositories or cremes can leak during ambulation or whenit is not possible to remain supine. Hemorrhoids can also bleed orresult in a mucus discharge that can stain clothing. Although anyresulting anal discharge (which may include feculent material) may be insmall amounts, it can be hygienically and emotionally distressing.

Anal incontinence (the loss of feces and contaminated moisture) or lossof blood from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, are common problems,particularly with activities such as jumping or running. Fecalincontinence can result from disease, such as nerve compression,impairment or degeneration; iatrogenic causes such as radical surgery inthe lower spine or rectal zone of the body; spinal cord injuries; oradvancing age.

The loss of even small amounts of discharge from the anus may give riseto a pungent and abhorrent odor, accompanied by a feeling of wetnessand/or irritation. Anal incontinence may lead to the development ofother diseases due to the bacteria laden moist environment created bythis leakage.

Other exudations that may be encountered include anal secretions, suchas secretions derived from Skene's and Bartholin's glands, sweat glands,and the like. Such secretions and exudations may mix to producedisagreeable odors, and may be accompanied by an uncomfortable feelingof wetness. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced in the case of aperson having a discharge due to infection or venereal disease, orpostoperative, post-delivery or hemorrhoidal inflammation.

Many people who suffer from anal incontinence wear large diapers and/orplastic or rubber undergarments such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,699,902. In addition, hygienic articles have been developed which areinserted into and retained within the anal sphincter to absorb rectalsecretions (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,380), or which are fixed to thenatal cleft by an adhesive (e.g. U.S Pat. No. 5,695,484). However, thereremains a need for a comfortable, non-intrusive device, for those whosuffer from anal incontinence, that can absorb anal or peri-analsecretions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An absorbent pad has been designed which can be located external to theanal orifice to collect any anal discharge. The pad can be retained inthe intergluteal space, between the buttocks, without the use of asupporting garment or adhesive. In particular embodiments, the pad ispositioned external to the external anal sphincter, so that it is notretained by insertion in the anus.

The pad is used in a method of absorbing anal leakage in a subject bypositioning the absorbent pad between the buttocks, external to thesubject's anal orifice, such that the pad is retained between and by thebuttocks. In this position, any anal or peri-anal discharge is absorbedby the pad. In particular embodiments of this method, the pad is devoidof corners and flat surfaces intermediate its ends, and the pad has aminor portion superimposed on a major portion. The minor portion of thepad has a cross-sectional area or width that is smaller than across-sectional area or width of the major portion, and both the minorand the major portions are curvilinear or partially cylindrical incross-section. The reduced width minor portion facilitates insertion ofthe pad between the subject's buttocks, separation of the buttocks, andplacement of the smaller portion adjacent the anal orifice. The largermajor portion is not as close to the sensitive anal orifice, whichavoids discomfort caused by the pressure exerted by the larger portion.However the larger portion is more readily frictionally retained betweenthe buttocks, in the intergluteal space, without external attachmentdevices such as adhesive. In particular embodiments, a method isdisclosed for treating hemorrhoids by inserting the pad between thebuttocks, against the external anal orifice.

In some embodiments, the method delivers therapeutic substances (such asantibiotics, topical anesthetics or topical vasoconstrictors), forexample in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The method includes positioningthe intergluteal pad such that the pad is retained between the buttocksexternal to the subject's anus. The anterior portion of the pad isdesigned for insertion of the pad between the subject's buttocks in theanatomic intergluteal space adjacent to the anus, and the posteriorportion is retained between the buttocks without the need for adhesiveor other attachment devices. Insertion and retention of the pad adjacentto the anus alleviates one or more symptom of the hemorrhoids, ordelivers drugs to the anal orifice.

The pad can be any of a variety of shapes, and particularly shapes whichtaper toward an anterior or leading edge of the pad. The anterior edgeis usually sufficiently wide to be retained outside the anal orifice,but can be sufficiently narrow to extend at least partially within theanus (for example external to the anal valve). The pad is ideallysubstantially or completely retained exterior to the anus, with theposterior edge impinging against the surrounding buttocks to retain thepad in place. The pad can be symmetric or asymmetric, rounded orelongated, tapering or non-tapering. However particular embodimentstaper from a relatively larger posterior portion to a relatively smalleranterior portion. The enlarged posterior portion is ideally large enoughto at least slightly deform the surrounding buttocks to improvefrictional engagement between the buttocks and the pad. The relativelysmall anterior portion is closer to the width of the anal orifice, andis more comfortably retained in the narrow intergluteal space adjacentthe anus. The pads with a bipartite structure (with a major and minorportion) further enhance the comfort and retention of the pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic posterior view of the buttocks and thighs of afemale subject in whom an absorbent pad has been positioned external tothe anal orifice to collect discharge from the anus. The pad is shownretained in the intergluteal space, between the buttocks, without theuse of a supporting garment or adhesive. The position of the pad isindicated by dashed lines.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional sagittal view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.1, showing a pad positioned adjacent the anal orifice.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the anus and buttocks, showingthe position of an anal pad external to the anal sphincter, with anenlarge posterior portion of the pad slightly deforming the buttocks toretain the pad in place.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional fragmentary view of an interglutealabsorbent pad of the invention.

FIGS. 5-9 are views similar to FIG. 4, but showing different embodimentsof the pad which have a substantially quadrilateral shape.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross sectional views of the major portion of thepad, showing the major portion to be either arcuate (FIG. 10) or tapered(FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an intergluteal absorbent pad thatdoes not have a major portion and a minor portion, but which has theside surfaces of the pad sloping toward a leading edge of the pad.

FIGS. 13-15 are cross-sectional fragmentary views showing pads whichhave major portions that are polygonal in shape.

FIGS. 16 is a cross sectional view of an elongated interglutealabsorbent pad with a major portion and a minor portion, both of whichtaper symmetrically in a longitudinal direction.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the major and minorportions of the pad tapering longitudinally in different directions.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an elongated intergluteal absorbent padthat has a fixed diameter along the length of the pad.

FIGS. 19-21 are side views of intergluteal absorbent pads similar to thepad shown in FIGS. 18, but with one or two sloping end edges.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of an intergluteal absorbent padwherein the posterior portion of the pad is formed with a longitudinalgroove.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the intergluteal absorbent pad ofFIG. 22 disposed between the buttocks in the intergluteal space.

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of a unitary, one-piece yet bipartiteintergluteal absorbent pad in which each portion of the pad has a crosssection of a portion of a circle, each circle having different radii ofcurvature. FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of a bipartite pad in whicheach portion of the pad has a cross section of a partial ellipse. Thepads may be either symmetric or asymmetric. In the symmetric embodiment,the major and minor portions may have the shape of partial spheres orellipsoids.

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of an additional embodiment of aone-piece intergluteal pad with an elliptical cross section, and nominor and major portions.

FIG. 27 is an end perspective view of an elongated pad with a minor anda major portion that extends along its length, and a groove in the minorportion from which drugs or other agents can be released by compressionof the pad in use.

FIG. 28 is an end view of the pad of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an elongated pad.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a folded pad forplacement in the gluteal fold.

FIG. 31 is a view taken along lines 30-30 of FIG. 30.

DESCRIPTION OF MULTIPLE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The following definitions and methods are provided to better define thepresent invention and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in thepractice of the invention. As used herein and in the appended claims,the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a discharge” includes a plurality of such discharges and reference to“the absorbent material” includes reference to one or more materials andequivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs.

DEFINITIONS

Absorbent: A material with sufficient absorbency to absorb and retainexudates discharged from a subject. Absorbency is dependent partially onthe physical volume of the device. For example, a material is absorbentif it absorbs at least 3 ml of 0.9% saline, however an absorbentmaterial may have a capacity of 20 grams or more.

Anal Leakage: Discharge from the anus, including involuntary discharges.Anal leakage can be fecal material, blood or secretions, or leakage of amedicinal agent placed into the anal canal, such as when a suppositoryis inserted rectally.

Anal sphincter: A circular layer of muscle in the anal canal. Thecircular coat is thickened at the upper end of the anal canal and formsthe involuntary internal sphincter. The internal sphincter is surroundedby a sheath of striated muscle that forms the voluntary externalsphincter. At the junction of the rectum and anal canal the blending ofthe internal sphincter with the deep part of the external sphincter andthe puborectais muscles forms a distinct ring, called the anal rectalring.

Anal Triangle: A region bounded behind by the tip of the coccyx, and oneach side, by the ischial tuberosity and the sacrotuberous ligament,overlapped by the border of the gluteus maximus muscle. The anus lies inthe midline, and on each side there is the ischiorectal fossia.

Anus or Anal Orifice: the lower opening of the anal canal. The analcanal is about 4 cm long and passes downward and backward from therectal ampulla to the anus. Except during defecation, its lateral wallsare kept in apposition by the levaotres ani muscles and the analsphincters. The mucous membrane of the upper half of the anal canal isderived from endoderm, is sensitive to stretch, and is lined by verticalfolds called anal columns which are joined together at their lower endsby semi-lunar folds called anal valves. The mucous membrane of the lowerhalf of the anal canal (external to the anal valves) is derived fromectoderm, has no anal columns, and is extremely sensitive to pain.

Biodegradable material: A material having greater than or equal to about70% biodegradation (percentage of theoretical carbon dioxide evolution)after 28 days when measured by a suitable test such as the Sturm test(Method 301B, Organization of Economic Cooperation and development).

Defecation: An act that results in the emptying of the descending colon,rectum, and anal canal by reflex acts and/or voluntary control of theanal sphincters.

Diagnostic test: Any procedure performed on a sample collected from asubject, wherein the procedure can be used to evaluate or monitor adisease or a disorder in the subject. A diagnostic test can be performedin a laboratory, a medical office or in the home environment.

Fecal incontinence: The involuntary discharge of fecal material from theanus.

Flushable: A product's capacity to pass through typical commerciallyavailable house toilets and plumbing drainage systems without causingclogging or similar problems that can be directly associated with thephysical characteristics of the product.

Gluteal: The back of a hip that forms one of the fleshy parts where ahuman sits, it is also known as a buttock.

Gluteal Region: An anatomical region bounded superiorly by the iliaccrest and inferiorly by the fold of the buttock. The region is largelymade up of the gluteal muscles and a thick layer of superficial fascia.

Hemorrhoid: A mass of dilated veins in swollen tissue situated near theanal sphincter.

Intergluteal space: The space located between the right and leftgluteals (buttocks), generally on a sagittal plane that includes theanus. The intergluteal space extends inferiorly toward the perineal bodyto the vaginal opening in the female (but does not include the vaginalopening), and toward the scrotum in the male (without including thescrotum).

The major portion of the pad is a larger portion, and a minor portion isa smaller portion. Large and small can be defined, for example, in termsof cross-sectional area, volume, or transverse dimension. In someembodiments, the pad is inserted between the gluteals with the minorportion as the leading edge inserted, in which example the minor portionwould also be considered an anterior edge and the major portion would bea posterior portion.

Medicinal Agent: A therapeutic agent for treatment of the anal triangle.Specific, non-limiting examples of a medicinal agent are anesthetics,antibiotics, deodorants, or lubricants.

Natal cleft: The cleft formed where the external surfaces of thegluteals touch.

Occult blood: A diagnostic test performed to detect the presence ofblood in a stool (fecal) sample. A test for occult blood is useful inthe diagnosis of disease, such as colon cancer.

Supporting garment: A garment such as a belt or article of clothing, forexample underwear, used to hold an absorbent pad in place on or in thebody, for example in the anal triangle.

Vaginal orifice: The opening at the distal end of the vaginal canal.

Methods of Absorbing Leakage

Embodiment of FIGS. 1-3

A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3, in which anabsorbent pad 30 is shown in place external to the anal orifice 32. Theanal anatomy of a female is illustrated in these drawings, which showthe anal sphincter 34 which closes the anal canal, and the anal valve 36(FIG. 3) at the inferior aspect of the anal columns 38. The distalregion of the anal canal, particularly inferior to the anal valve, iswell innervated and exceedingly sensitive to pain, itching, and otherdisease processes. Anterior to the anal orifice 32 is the vaginalopening 40 and the urethral opening 42. The right and left gluteals 46,48 appose one another, and generally form an intergluteal potentialspace 48 (FIGS. 1 and 3) that covers the anal orifice 32. This potentialspace can be opened by moving the gluteals away from one another (asparticularly illustrated in FIG. 3).

In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-3, the pad 30 is an elongatedabsorbent member, for example made of cotton, and having a bipartiteprofile with a major portion 50 and a minor portion 52. In theillustrated example, the major and minor portions each have a crosssection that is a portion of a circle, where the portion of the circleof the major portion 50 has a greater diameter than the portion of thecircle of the minor portion 52. The curvature of the minor portion isgreater than the curvature of the major portion. The overall shape ofpad 30 therefore includes a rounded major portion and a rounded minorportion, in which the transverse diameter or width W1 (FIG. 3A) of themajor portion is greater than the transverse diameter or width W2 of theminor portion, so that the width of pad 30 tapers in the direction ofminor portion 52. The width of major portion 50 is ideally greater thana diameter of an average anal orifice 32 (for example as determined bypopulation studies), and minor portion 52 has a reduced width (andincreased taper) to minimize pressure and discomfort in the area of analorifice 32. The minimum width of minor portion 52 is, in someembodiments, substantially the same or slightly less than the maximumdiameter of anal orifice 32. The outer profile of both the major andminor portions is arcuate to help conform to surrounding body tissues.The cross-sectional area of minor portion 52 in some embodiments is lessthan 50% of the cross-sectional area of pad 30, and has across-sectional area that is, for example, 10 to 49% of the totalcross-sectional area of pad 30.

The reduced width of minor portion 52 is also advantageous for theinsertion and retention of pad 30 in use. Gluteals 44, 46 are spreadapart either by moving them apart, or by introducing the reduced widthminor portion 52 as a leading edge of the pad between them, andadvancing the pad toward anal orifice 32. As pad 30 is inserted intointergluteal space 48, the leading minor portion 52 gradually movesgluteals 44, 46 apart (FIG. 3), to facilitate acceptance of majorportion 50. Once minor portion 52 is in place against anal orifice 32,major portion 50 provides an enlarged retention member that frictionallyengages surrounding portions of gluteals 44, 46 to retain pad 30 inposition. In this position, pad 30 is able to absorb leakage or otherdischarges (such as feces or even flatulence) from the anal orifice. Theanal pad 30 is retained by the buttocks, in the intergluteal space, anddoes not extend beyond the natal cleft 32.

The pad is easily inserted between the buttocks and is easily retainedin the intergluteal space without the need for auxiliary retainingmeans. Thus, a light pressure on the major portion 50 will cause thesmaller minor portion 52 to open the buttocks slightly and allow pad 34to take its proper position in the intergluteal space overlying the analorifice 36. The radii of the respective portions is such that the analorifice 36 is completely covered by the pad. The elongated pad extendsalong the intergluteal space 48, such that the length of the pad helpsfrictionally engage the pad in place, and resist dislodgement.

In particular embodiments, the intergluteal absorbent pad is formed of asoft absorptive material such as cellulose, cotton, or another suitablenatural or synthetic fiber or sheeting. In one embodiment the pad isflushable, and can be made of biodegradable material. The pad may bemade as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,047, herein incorporated byreference.

EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF PADS

Some other examples of alternative embodiments of the pad with atapering portion are shown in FIGS. 4-28. Many of these embodiments areshown in cross-section as relatively flat, although they can beelongated (as indicated by the fragmentary depiction in each Figure).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a one piece absorptive pad 58 has a“tear-drop” or ovoid cross sectional shape which tapers progressively toa leading anterior edge portion 60 of limited transverse dimension froma posterior portion 62 of relatively large transverse dimension.

The pad 58 may be elongated transverse to the illustrated cross-section,or it may not be elongated (such that the length of the pad transverseto the cross section is less than the anterior-posterior dimension A-Pof the cross-section). In elongated embodiments, the pad may be ofuniform cross section along the length thereof, or may be tapered fromone end to the other end thereof, and in particular embodiments istapered in its anterior-posterior dimension AP. The user may readily andquickly insert the pad 58 into the intergluteal space by introducingleading anterior portion 60 into the inter-gluteal space. The pad isfirmly self retained in the space and exhibits substantial absorptivecapacity for discharges, and resists accidental dislodgement from theintergluteal space.

Other embodiments of the pad are shown which have posterior majorportions of a polygonal (for example quadrilateral) shape, such asrectangular or square. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, pad 62 includes aposterior portion 64 having flat bottom and side surfaces; and theanterior minor portion 66 has surfaces 68 which incline toward oneanother toward a leading edge 70. Anterior portion 66 therefore forms awedge that parts the gluteals as it is introduced between them.

FIG. 6 shows a pad 72 that includes a posterior portion 74 ofsubstantially square cross section; and a fingerlike anterior portion 76of limited transverse dimension, which is much narrower than thecorresponding transverse dimension of posterior portion 74. The juncture78 of portions 74, 76 forms an essentially flat shoulder that extendstransverse to the anterior-posterior dimension AP. In the disclosedembodiment, the anterior-posterior dimension of anterior portion 76 issubstantially the same as the anterior-posterior dimension of posteriorportion 74.

FIG. 7 shows a pad 80 that is similar to that of FIG. 8, except that thesides of anterior portion 84 diverge away from top edge 86, to present amore tapered profile. FIG. 8 shows a pad 88 having a posterior portion90 and an anterior portion 92, wherein both portions are substantiallyquadrilateral in shape, except for a sloping flat shoulder 94 at thejuncture of portions 90, 92. FIG. 9 shows a pad 95 that includes aposterior portion 96 of quadrilateral shape and an anterior portion 98having upwardly converging side surfaces 100 and a flat leading edge102.

While the pads shown in FIGS. 5-9 have posterior portions with flatbottom surfaces, the bottom surfaces may have other configurations.Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the posterior portion P has an arcuate bottomsurface A, while in FIG. 11, the posterior portion P′ has convergingsurfaces C and an arcuate bottom edge B.

Further, alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Thus, inFIG. 12, the non-bipartite pad 104 is of generally triangular crosssection, with a posterior portion 106 of large cross section and ananterior portion 108 of small cross section. The pad 104 has flat,converging surfaces 110, a slightly curved bottom surface 112, roundedbottom edges 114 and a rounded leading edge 116. The pad 118 shown inFIG. 10 is similar to pad 106, except that the anterior portion 120 istransversely constricted and provides a linear juncture J betweenposterior portion 122 and anterior portion 120. This is an example of abipartite pad that has major and minor portions.

FIG. 14 shows pad 124 which includes a posterior portion 126 ofsubstantially hexagonal cross section and a transversely constrictedanterior portion 128 with a rounded leading edge 130. The surfaces ofposterior portion 126 are flat and edges thereof may be rounded.

FIG. 15 shows pad 132 which includes a posterior major portion 134defined by opposed convergent flat surfaces 136 and a slightly roundedbottom surface 138; while anterior minor portion 140 is of a triangularcross section.

The pads may be suitably tapered in a longitudinal direction transverseto the AP direction. Thus pad 142, as shown in FIG. 16, has its anteriorportion 144 and posterior portion 146 tapered in respect of both thelongitudinal and transverse axes thereof; whereas in pad 148, as shownin FIG. 17, anterior portion 150 and posterior portion 152 are taperedlongitudinally only.

FIG. 18 shows yet another embodiment of the pad 154, in which theanterior portion 156 and posterior portion 158 are substantially ovoidin cross-section, with the transverse width of anterior portion 156 muchless than the transverse width of posterior portion 158.

The pads may be further modified, as shown in FIGS. 19-21. Thus, asshown in FIG. 19, the pad 160 has its posterior portion 162 sloped atone end as at 164, to make the pad conform to the anatomy of the user.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20, the pad 166 may be sloped at bothopposite ends 168, 168′. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, pad 170 hasits posterior portion 172 sloped at opposite ends in a convergentconfiguration. If desired, in the foregoing embodiments, the anteriorportions of the pads may also be sloped to converge toward one another.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a pad 174 that has an anterior portion176 and posterior portion 177. The posterior portion 177 is formed witha longitudinal groove 178 of normally triangular section, forming wings180. When the pad 174 is inserted into the intergluteal space, as shownin FIG. 23, the wings 180 are resiliently urged toward each other andbear against the walls of the intergluteal space, adjacent to thebuttocks, thereby increasing the retention of the pad within theintergluteal space.

The various forms of pads set forth above may also include the groove inthe anterior portions thereof. The pads set forth above which haveopposed flat surfaces (e.g. FIGS. 6-9), are particularly adapted toconform to the walls defining the intergluteal space, and optimize theretention and absorption factors of the pads. Moreover, the grooves canbe filled with therapeutic or other substances, so that the pad becomesa delivery vehicle.

Although some of the pads have been shown to taper longitudinally fromone end to the other end, they may also taper from a central portion tothe opposite ends thereof. Thus, while the pad may be of uniform crosssection throughout its length, it may also have a tapered form. Nostring or other removal aid is required, and the pad can be removedmanually, such as with a gentle tap, or removed by normal use of thetoilet (for example by defecation).

Another embodiment of the intergluteal absorbent pad 182 is shown inFIG. 24, in which the intergluteal absorbent pad 182 has a posteriorportion 184 and anterior portion 186, each having a cross section thatdefines a portion of a circle. Each of the posterior and anteriorportions is a portion of a sphere that is symmetric in all directionswith respect to a center point, and has a constant radius. For example,posterior portion 184 is symmetric with respect to center C1, whileanterior portion 186 is symmetric with respect to center C2.

FIG. 25 shows yet another embodiment of a pad 188 having merged portions190, 192 which are of part elliptical cross section; the portion 190having major and minor axes somewhat larger then those of portion 192,which also lends itself to easy insertion and removal. Portion 190 issymmetric in all directions with respect to perpendicular planes ofsymmetry, one of which is shown as P in FIG. 25. In this embodiment, thepad is not elongated in any direction, although in other embodimentslongitudinal elongation is possible.

The pad 194, shown in FIG. 26, is of an elliptical cross section. Thisembodiment lacks a major portion and a minor portion, and instead has across-section that is completely symmetric with respect to ananterior-posterior plane AP. In use, pad 194 is inserted along the APaxis into the intergluteal space (either narrowed end of the pad can bethe leading edge of insertion).

The pad 190 shown in FIG. 27 is an elongated version of the pad in FIG.24 which has a more spherical configuration. Pad 190 in FIG. 27 isinitially of a round cross section, but is formed into a larger andsmaller portion by using a mechanical binding agent, such as thread orheat welding, similar to that described in Gerstenburger (U.S. Pat. No.5,575,047). Alternatively, it can be sewn along the junction between thetwo portions with biodegradable thread, so that the pad is completelybiodegradable, and can be flushed down a toilet. Biodegradable pads canbe made by any method, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,575,047, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The absorbent pads used to absorb anal discharge may be impregnated withselected scents, medications, or combinations thereof to mask the odorof the absorbed discharges, thereby providing a soothing and pleasantodor, and/or to provide appropriate treatment to external hemorrhoids,active anal fissures, traumatic, infectious or neoplastic lesions, ormany other pathologies and conditions. In one embodiment, the padincludes activated charcoal, which may be used to absorb odors, such asthose associated with flatulence. In another embodiment, the pad isimpregnated in the posterior portion only. However, in otherembodiments, the pad is impregnated in the anterior portion, or in boththe anterior and posterior portions. In one embodiment, the pad includesa groove in the anterior or posterior portion, and the scent,medication, or another agent is added within the groove or impregnatedin the pad adjacent to the groove.

FIG. 27 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an elongated absorbentpad 200 that has been modified to carry and dispense lubricants alone orin admixture with deodorants, medications (such as a vasoconstrictor oranesthetic to treat hemorrhoids), and the like. The principles of theelongated embodiment could, however, be adapted to the non-elongatedembodiments of the type shown in FIG. 24. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 27, intergluteal absorbent pad 200 includes posterior portion 202and anterior portion 204, which is formed with a groove 206 extendinglongitudinally along the top of anterior pad portion 204. The groove isprefilled with a material 208, for example, with an ointment, lubricantor other carrier for admixed medications, deodorants and the like.Placing the intergluteal absorbent pad in the intergluteal space, withanterior portion 204 adjacent to the anal orifice, causes the normaltransverse constriction of the pad 200 (and particularly compression ofanterior portion 204) to dispense materials which have a suitableviscosity, to the areas surrounding the anal orifice.

It has been found that the curvilinear surface portions and thenon-uniform cross sections of the several pads shown herein, is highlyeffective in positioning the pad between the buttocks and retaining itin place. Further, there is no tendency to force the buttocks apart orto exert undue pressure against their medial wall portions.

In one embodiment the pads are molded or otherwise formed from thecellulose base material, to the desired cross sectional and longitudinalconfigurations by apparatus and procedures known in the art, or formedas described in Gerstenburger.

In an additional embodiment, the intergluteal absorbent pads are used toabsorb discharge from the anus, and a diagnostic test is then performedon the absorbed discharge. In one embodiment, the discharge is fecalmaterial. In another embodiment, the discharge is a bodily fluid, suchas blood or a secretion, such as a secretion derived from Skene's orBartholin's glands. In yet another embodiment, the discharge includescells, such as cells of the anal or rectal epithelium, and the cells areanalyzed using a diagnostic test. The diagnostic test can be performeddirectly on the discharge absorbed by the intergluteal absorbent pad, orthe discharge or a component of the discharge can be extracted from theintergluteal pad prior to performing the diagnostic test (see U.S. Pat.No. 5,094,956).

The diagnostic test can detect the presence or absence of a cell type(e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,252; U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,375), a protein(e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,881; U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,010), or anucleic acid (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,851; U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,034)in the anal discharge. The diagnostic test can also be used to detectoccult blood (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,045; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,071), orthe presence of a virus, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), or amicroorganism, such as an enteric pathogen (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,332;U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,275). The diagnostic test can be a qualitative,semi-quantitative, or quantitative test. In one specific, non-limitingexample, the diagnostic test is used to detect a biological parameterassociated with colorectal cancer or anal cancer.

In a specific, non-limiting example, anal discharge is collected on anabsorbent anal pad and a diagnostic test is then performed on the analdischarge to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. For example,the diagnostic test can detect the presence of HPV nucleic acid (seeU.S. Pat. No. 5,580,907; U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,922; U.S. Pat. No.5,783,412; U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,839; U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,171).Alternatively, the diagnostic test can detect the presence of a proteinassociated with HPV infection (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,447).

In one embodiment, a kit is provided for collecting a sample of analdischarge. The kit includes an absorbent pad, and a packaging means,such as a plastic vial or a plastic bag, for packaging the absorbentpad. The kit can also include directions for the use of the pad, andinstructions for the use of the package for mailing the pad to a remotelaboratory, where a diagnostic test (e.g. a test to detect the presenceof HPV), is performed.

FIG. 29 shows a particular embodiment wherein the absorbent pad isformed of a polypropylene or polyester non-woven fabric with a rayonsliver core. The absorbent pad has an overall length L of about 15 toabout 75 mm, and an overall height H of about 19 to about 22 mm. Of theoverall height of the absorbent pad, the anterior portion AP of theabsorbent pad has a height APH of about 4 to about 7 mm. The posteriorportion PP of the absorbent pad has a height PPH of about 12 to about 18mm. In addition, posterior portion PP of the pad has a width PPW ofabout 8 to about 10 mm. Anterior portion AP has a width APW less thanwidth PPW of posterior portion PP of the pad. In one specific,non-limiting example, width PPW of posterior portion PP of the absorbentpad is from about 4 to about 7 mm. Posterior portion PP of the pad isdemarcated from anterior portion AP of the pad by stitching S. In onespecific, non-limiting example the stitching is standard 401 chainstitch of about 8-10 SPI.

FIGS. 30-31 show another embodiment of a rectangular pad 300 whichincludes an absorbent front 302 (FIG. 31) and a substantially liquidimpermeable (such as a polypropylene) backing 304. Pad 300 is folded (asshown in FIG. 30) to present a tapered profile with a leading edge 306.In use, leading edge 306 of folded pad 300 is inserted in theintergluteal space, with edge 306 against the anus. The large surfacearea of the faces of pad 300 frictionally engage the surrounding tissueto hold the pad in place during ambulation and other activities. In aparticularly disclosed embodiment, pad 300 has a length of at least 15mm, for example 15-75 mm, and a width of at least 35 mm, for example38-45 mm. An indentation or other indicia can be provided on the pad toindicate where it should be folded prior to insertion in theintergluteal space, or alternatively the pad can be provided in apre-folded condition.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of theinvention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustratedembodiments are only particular examples of the invention and should notbe taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We thereforeclaim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit ofthese claims.

1. A method for absorbing leakage from an anus of a subject, comprising positioning an intergluteal absorbent pad external to the subject's anal orifice such that the pad is retained between the buttocks, so that discharge from the anus is absorbed by the absorbent material of the pad.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad is held between the buttocks without adhesives or attachment to a supporting garment.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is a highly absorbent non-swellable material.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad has a uniform cross-section along its entire length or is tapered along its length.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad has a minor portion superimposed on a major portion, the minor portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional are of the major portion and wherein the minor portion is tapered to facilitate insertion between the subject's gluteals and retention in the intergluteal space, and a portion of the minor portion is positioned against the subject's anus.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the minor an major portions of the pad have a elliptical cross-section with a major axis, wherein the major axis of the minor portion is less than the major axis of the major portion.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad includes an agent for absorbing odors.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad carries a therapeutically effective amount of a medicinal agent to be dispensed from the pad, and the subject is a subject in need of the medicinal agent.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the medicinal agent is an anesthetic or a lubricant.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the pad is placed between the buttocks of the subject to absorb excess leakage from the anus, and wherein the leakage comprises fecal material, glandular secretions, and/or blood.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad is placed between the buttocks of the subject to absorb excess suppository leakage, flatulence, hemorrhoid bleeding, fissure bleeding, or fecal incontinence.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad is placed external to the anal sphincter, against the anal orifice.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad has a tapered leading edge that is inserted between the subject's buttocks to push the buttocks apart as the leading edge of the pad is inserted between the buttocks.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the tapered leading edge is positioned against the anal orifice, and a remainder of the pad has a width which is wider than a normal anatomic intergluteal space, such that the remainder of the pad is frictionally engaged and retained by opposing gluteals.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pad is elongated and positioned adjacent and external to the anal orifice but not a vaginal orifice.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a diagnostic test on the discharge from the anus.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the diagnostic test is an analysis of occult blood in a discharge including stool.
 18. A method for absorbing leakage from a subject's anus, comprising inserting a pad into the subject's intergluteal space, positioning the pad adjacent to the subject's external anal orifice, such that leakage from the subject's anus is absorbed by the pad, wherein the pad is devoid of corners and flat surfaces intermediate its ends, and the pad has a minor portion superimposed on a major portion, the minor portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the major portion, wherein both the minor and the major portion are curvilinear in cross-section, and wherein the minor portion facilitates insertion between the subject's buttocks and retention in the anal space.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad includes a medicinal aor odor-absorbing agent.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad is elongated and has a uniform cross-section along its entire length, or is tapered along its length.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the pad is elongated, and, when placed in the intergluteal space, extends external to the anal orifice an a vaginal opening to absorb leakage from the vagina in addition to leakage from the anus.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad carries a therapeutically effective amount of a medicinal agent, and positioning the pad comprises administering the medicinal agent to the subject.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the medicinal agent is an anesthetic or a lubricant.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad is placed between the buttocks of the subject to absorb excess leakage from the anus, and wherein the leakage comprises fecal material, glandular secretions, and/or blood.
 25. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad is placed between the buttocks of the subject to absorb excess suppository leakage, flatulence, hemorrhoid bleeding, fissure bleeding, or fecal incontinence.
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad is placed external to the anal sphincter.
 27. The method of claim 18, wherein the pad has a tapered leading edge that is inserted between the subject's buttocks to push the buttocks apart as the leading edge of the pad is inserted between the buttocks.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the tapered leading edge is positioned against the anal orifice, and a remainder of the pad has a width which is wider than a normal anatomic intergluteal space, such that the remainder of the pad is frictionally engaged and retained by opposing gluteals.
 29. The method of claim 18, further comprising performing a diagnostic test on the discharge from the anus.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the diagnostic test is an analysis of occult blood in a discharge including stool.
 31. A method for treating a symptom of a subject with hemorrhoids, comprising positioning an intergluteal elongated absorbent pad such that the pad is retained between the buttocks external to the subject's anus, wherein the pad comprises a longitudinally extending major portion and a longitudinally extending minor portion integrated with the posterior portion, wherein the minor portion has a smaller transverse section diameter relative to the larger transverse section diameter of the major portion, wherein the minor portion is designed for insertion of the pad between the subject's buttocks in the anatomic intergluteal space adjacent to the anus, and the major portion is attached to the anterior portion such that is retained between the buttocks, wherein insertion and retention of the pad adjacent to the anus alleviates a symptom of the hemorrhoids.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the minor and major portions of the pad have a length greater than their width, and the shape of the pad substantially conforms to the intergluteal space in which the pad is retained.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the pad is held between the buttocks without adhesives or attachment to a supporting garment.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the major portion of the pad has longitudinally extending, opposed, substantially parallel face portions.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the minor portion of the pad has longitudinally extending, opposed substantially parallel face portions.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the opposed flat face portions of the pad are substantially parallel.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the opposed flat face portions of the pad are substantially convergent.
 38. The method of claim 31, wherein the minor portion of the pad has longitudinally extending, opposed substantially parallel face portions.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the opposed flat face portions of the pad are substantially parallel.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the opposed flat face portions of the pad are substantially convergent.
 41. The method of claim 31, wherein the minor and major portions of the pad have a shoulder shaped junction.
 42. The method of claim 31, wherein the pad carries a therapeutically effective amount of a medicinal agent, and positioning the pad comprises administering the medicinal agent to the subject.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the medicinal agent is an anesthetic or a lubricant.
 44. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad includes a cavity in which a medicinal agent is placed prior to positioning the pad.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the cavity is compressed between the buttocks when the pad is positioned.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the cavity communicates with an exterior surface of the pad.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the cavity is a recess in an exterior surface of the pad.
 48. The method of claim 44, wherein the pad is elongated, and the cavity extends longitudinally along the pad. 